This presentation covers a pilot project in Howard County, MD, exploring the co-composting of food waste digestate from Bioenergy Devco (BDC) with local wood waste and other feedstocks at the Alpha Ridge Landfill composting facility. Using Aerated Static Pile (ASP) systems, the goal is to develop an STA-certified compost while evaluating optimal processing, timeline, costs,… Continue reading SCI.216-Using Digestate as a Feedstock-AC26.USCC
Author: Alec Resha
DIV.300-Otay Sustainability Park-AC26.USCC
This session highlights Republic Services’ solar-powered Gore ASP compost facility and commercial food waste transfer station in Chula Vista, CA, processing up to 300 and 100 tons per day, respectively. The talk covers the six-year permitting process, processing equipment, and operational strategies. It also showcases the San Diego Padres’ sustainable two-bin diversion system at Petco… Continue reading DIV.300-Otay Sustainability Park-AC26.USCC
FAC.234-Operating Large-Scale Composting Operations in California-AC26.USCC
This session highlights the operations and expansion of Northern Recycling LLC in Woodland, CA. The facility grew from processing nearly 100,000 tons per year with four employees to managing 260,000 tons annually with 30+ staff after opening a state-of-the-art CASP facility in 2022. The presentation covers system design choices, including CASP, green waste processing, screening,… Continue reading FAC.234-Operating Large-Scale Composting Operations in California-AC26.USCC
VIS.124-Growing the California Composting Industry Past Present…-AC26.USCC
This session traces the 35-year evolution of California’s composting industry, from early biomass power and waste diversion efforts to pioneering agricultural uses, market development with CalTrans, and advances in carbon sequestration and compost quality. Using photos and historical data, it highlights achievements, ongoing challenges like contamination and low participation, and a forward-looking vision for compost-driven… Continue reading VIS.124-Growing the California Composting Industry Past Present…-AC26.USCC
POL.247-New York State Takes Action-AC26.USCC
This session covers New York State’s evolving food scraps and donation laws, including expanded requirements for businesses generating 1 ton (2027) and 0.5 tons (2029) of food waste per week and increased service distances. It highlights lessons learned, early data on food donation and recycling, and the statewide compost market assessment examining production, pricing, and… Continue reading POL.247-New York State Takes Action-AC26.USCC
POL.245-From the Fields to the Courtroom: The Growing Battle Over …-AC26.USCC
This session provides an update on the evolving legal landscape of PFAS in organics. It covers state legislative developments, potential enforcement tools under new and existing laws, and emerging private litigation, including product liability claims. Attendees will gain insights into regulatory trends, enforcement risks, and best practices for navigating PFAS-related legal challenges in the organics… Continue reading POL.245-From the Fields to the Courtroom: The Growing Battle Over …-AC26.USCC
FAC.233-Small Medium Large: Compost Facility Size and its Impact-AC26.USCC
This panel explores how facility size impacts composting operations. Leaders from small, medium, and large facilities share experiences on staffing, equipment, operations, financing, and growth. Through presentations and Q&A, attendees will gain practical insights, lessons learned, and strategies for success at any scale. The content of this course is covered by Copyright and Licensing, Privacy… Continue reading FAC.233-Small Medium Large: Compost Facility Size and its Impact-AC26.USCC
BUS.142-Legacy in the Pile: Best Practices from a Second-Generatio…-AC26.USCC
This session presents a case study of Earth Care Farm, a multi-generational composting operation in Rhode Island. Jayme Merner shares nearly 50 years of experience, highlighting Best Management Practices for scaling production, navigating permits, sourcing diverse feedstocks, daily operations, community engagement, and staff succession. The session demonstrates how sustainable infrastructure, consistent standards, and education create… Continue reading BUS.142-Legacy in the Pile: Best Practices from a Second-Generatio…-AC26.USCC
VIS.123-Scaling Community Composting-AC26.USCC
Rust Belt Riders has evolved from a small bicycle-powered food scrap hauler into a large-scale composting operation processing thousands of tons annually with over 30 employees. The presentation highlights the challenges and lessons learned while scaling the business without compromising its community-centered composting values. It also introduces a new growth strategy through The Hyphal Network—a… Continue reading VIS.123-Scaling Community Composting-AC26.USCC
FAC.121-Trial by Fire – Hard-Earned Lessons in Compost Facility Growth-AC26.USCC
This session offers a candid, story-driven look at building and scaling a composting business. Bill shares lessons from early challenges—including a fire—key investments that boosted operations, and the importance of collaboration with other composters and food waste partners. The talk also covers navigating operational constraints, embedding safety culture, and practical strategies for resilient growth, offering… Continue reading FAC.121-Trial by Fire – Hard-Earned Lessons in Compost Facility Growth-AC26.USCC